Progress 08/15/20 to 08/14/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audiences: Students and Faculty from 3 departments: Biology, Economics and Environmental Resource Management, and the department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. This team of faculty and students are affiliated with California State University in Bakersfield, a Hispanic Serving Institution in California's Central Valley. Efforts: Experiential Learning: Students from these agriculture related majors (majoring in Biology, Economics, Environmental Resource Management, Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) worked with faculty mentors on several research projects Internships: During the summer months of the 4-year project, students attended internships with the Bureau of Land Management. The students worked with Engineers from BLM and traveled to Case Mountain, near Three Rivers, CA where there was an ongoing multi-phased fuels reduction and restoration project occurring in and around six the giant sequoia groves Workshops: Students participated in summer workshops where they presented the progress of their research activities and received feedback on areas they needed to improve. This improved their presentation skills which are necessary requirement for the job market Conferences: Students from agriculture-related majors attended internal and external conferences. Others attended the HACU conference each year Extension and Outreach: A website was developed to promote the project and recruit students. Findings from the projects were presented at seminars within CSUB and research conferences, reaching a wide range of audiences. They were also disseminated via the Kern Economic Journal; a journal reporting economic trends to audiences in Kern County. Completed manuscripts were also submitted to peer reviewed journals for possible publication Changes/Problems: The COVID-19 pandemic limited our interactions and ability to work in the Labs at the onset of the project. We also did not get an opportunity to get the student interns working at NRCS lab until the Summer of 2023. During the 2021 and 2022 summers, students worked with faculty mentors on research projects. A few students resigned midway through the research activities, seeking other opportunities. They opined that the hourly wage that the grant was providing was not enough/competitive while others sighted personal reasons for leaving. To solve this, we increased our hourly stipends, making them competitive. Our new wages were similar to what their peers (CSUB student tutors) were earning. The PI obtained necessary approval from the USDA program officers and CSUB post award offices before proceeding with this change. This increased retention and enthusiasm among student researchers. We did not get an opportunity to get the students to interns with the NRCS lab in Bakersfield. Instead, students interned with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). They worked full time (40 hours a week in the Summer 2023) with the team at BLM and we hope to place more students at the BLM. The research assignments at the BLM required students to travel far away from Bakersfield (and campus) and we had not budgeted for that. Fortunately, the supervisors at the BLM were able to car-pool with the students to the sites. The U.S. forestry also provided research opportunities, but these would not work since they required students to relocate to Sequoia National Park - again, needing resources we had not budgeted for. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training activities: Undergraduate students had the opportunity to work on-on-one with faculty members on research problems related to agriculture. They also had the opportunity to work with officials from the Bureau of Land Management on summer Projects, receiving mentorship on how to work in an agriculture related field. This increased their interpersonal skills and gave them the opportunity to gain knowledge in soft skills. Professional development Students presented oral presentations at 2 summer seminars, while others presented his work at poster competitions. The PI presented some of the findings of this research at a research seminar at the University while attending professional conferences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The website was updated to promote the project. Details are available at: https://www.csub.edu/ceer/articles/2020-11-10-brixcal-building-research-and-internship-experiences-hispanics-californias An article highlighting the project was featured on the North American Regional Science Council Newsletter appearing at: http://www.narsc.org/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NARSCNewsJune2021.pdf Conference Presentations Michieka, M. N. 2024 (June 2024). "Agricultural Output and Education Attainment in the U.S." Paper presented at the 54th Mid-Continental Regional Science Association in Colombus, OH Michieka, M. N. 2024 (April 2024). "Institutions, Resource Abundance and Inequality in the U.S." Paper presented at the 63rd Southern Regional Science Association in Arlington, VA Michieka, M. N. 2024 (February 2024). "Agricultural Output and Education Attainment in the U.S." Paper presented at the 63rd Western Regional Science Association in Monterey, CA BRIXCAL - USDA Student Seminar: Summer 2022 and Summer 2023 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1.What was accomplished under these goals? a.Major activities completed / experiments conducted A total 32 research opportunities were provided to Hispanic students majoring in Agricultural Engineering, Biology and Economics in the Central Valley (8 research opportunities each year over the 4 years period). Of these opportunities, 21 students participated in the research activities (some worked multiple semesters). A total 21 student faculty mentorship activities were performed over the 4-year project period. Biology: 7 Students Economics & Environmental Resource Management: 11 students Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science): 4 students Two internships were carried out within the Bureau of Land Management (our internship activities fell short of the projected number of 8). The project developed the students' writing and communication skills through research and presentation activities carried out over the summer in 2022 and 2023. Out of all the students that graduated: one is pursuing a PhD in Economics while 3 are pursuing their master's degrees Collaboration between CSUB and federal organizations were established (NRCS USDA Office in Bakersfield, Kern County assessor's office, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. forestry service) Other accomplishments include: One manuscript submitted to a journal; 2 working papers to be submitted to journals in November/December 2024; 2 student-faculty co-authored paper published in the Kern Economic Journal and; 3 conference presentations at national and international meetings. The PI also travelled to the USDA PI meetings in Monterey California to meet with other PIs across the country. The PI worked with the external evaluator to review the project goals of the proposal. Feedback obtained from these evaluations was used to improve the project. b.Data Collected Economics students collected data related to water use in California's central valley. They also worked on a literature review on the water food energy nexus in Kern County; Regional tax data was collected (to study the impact of agriculture on Kern County's Economy; Data on various macroeconomic variables related to the food stamp program was collected (SNAP participation in the U.S.) along with data on agricultural production (resource abundance) for all 3,109 counties in the U.S. Biology students obtained data related to the analysis of genetic sequencing data; Contributed to metabolome data analysis from various agricultural soils in California's Central Valley used for tomato cultivation. Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: One student developed an Android mobile app is developed that connects a Raspberry Pi to a server for data collection. The challenge in this project was for cases where the data size is significantly larger than simple numerical data, such as visual data collected using cameras. c.Summary statistics and discussion of results and Biology students: Through consistent cultivation, the team produced strains of the marine diatom species Phaeodactylum tricornutum that can grow at a wide range of salinity levels. The team has analyzed the growth dynamics of these new P. tricornutum strains. These strains have adapted to economically relevant saline environments during the duration of the project and their cultivation is still maintained to support future research endeavors. Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: One student developed an Android mobile app that connects a Raspberry Pi to a server for data collection. This work was started in 2022 and the student continued working on this project in the current period for this report. The challenge in this project was for cases where the data size is significantly larger than simple numerical data. For testing, video files collected from a camera attached to the Raspberry Pi is used. Another student worked on the application of TSK Fuzzy Control on irrigation management. The novelty in this work was where stability conditions are considered for the controlled system. In addition, the student is working on a leak detection system for the irrigation systems. d.Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized. This project provided opportunities for experiential learning for undergraduate students majoring in agriculture related disciplines at California State University Bakersfield, a HSI institution. Students worked (alongside faculty) on projects related to agriculture. They learned how to perform literature reviews, collect and analyze data, then write papers suitable for publication. They also learned how to present their research findings at various professional settings, improving their verbal skills. Most skills obtained during the four years of this project provided them with the necessary skills to apply to graduate programs and federal jobs in the agriculture industry. In Economics and Environmental Resource management, several working papers were written. One is currently under review and others will be submitted for publication. In one paper we developed a framework to assess whether changes in resource abundance impact college attainment and show that the impacts are unclear due to opposing impacts between the income and substitution effects. We test these hypotheses empirically using data from 3,109 counties in the U.S. In another paper, we investigated whether shocks in agriculture output impact education attainment in top Agriculture producing counties in the U.S. using time series models. Other work investigates what drives SNAP participation across the U.S. Spatial econometric and time series models are applied to investigate these relationships. Biology students: Through consistent cultivation, the team produced strains of the marine diatom species Phaeodactylum tricornutum that can grow at a wide range of salinity levels. The team characterized the growth dynamics of these new Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains. Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: One student developed an Android mobile app that connects a Raspberry Pi to a server for data collection. The challenge in this project was for cases where the data size is significantly larger than simple numerical data. For testing, video files collected from a camera attached to the Raspberry Pi is used. Two other students researched the application of robotics to precision agriculture. The project increased the preparedness of the Hispanic students seeking careers in the USDA in agricultural- and natural resource-related fields. The activities also furnished them with skills needed to pursue advanced degrees in Agricultural Engineering, Biology, and Environmental Resource management. The PIs also benefited from this project by increasing their mentorship capabilities and research productivity. The institution's capacity to attract research funding went up. The collaborative activities between CSUB and the NRCS was strengthened, and the two entities intend to work together going forward.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Michieka, M. N. 2024 (April 2024). Institutions, Resource Abundance and Inequality in the U.S. Paper presented at the 63rd Southern Regional Science Association in Arlington, VA
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Michieka, M. N. 2024 (February 2024). Agricultural Output and Education Attainment in the U.S. Paper presented at the 63rd Western Regional Science Association in Monterey, CA
- Type:
Other Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Michieka, M. N., 2024. Resources, Institutions and Education in the U.S. Submitted to the Resources Policy Journal.
- Type:
Other Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Michieka, M. N., 2024. Do Shocks in the Agricultural Industry Impact Education? Submitted November 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Land Values in the U.S. by Micheal Mantaghi and Nyakundi Michieka Presented at the CSUB Student Poster Presentation Event 3-30-2023
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Michieka, M. N. 2024 (June 2024). Agricultural Output and Education Attainment in the U.S. Paper presented at the 54th Mid-Continental Regional Science Association in Colombus, OH
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Michieka N. M. (2022) Growth and Change: Kern County's Economy. Presented to professionals at the KernTax's 83rd Annual Meeting on September 21, 2022 (Available at https://kerntaxpayers.org/blog/kerntaxs-83rd-annual-meeting2/)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
The Energy Transition and Kern County's Economy. Presented to students, faculty and the public at CSUB on Thursday, May 9, 2024.
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Progress 08/15/22 to 08/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Students and Faculty from 3 departments: Biology, Economics and Environmental Resource Management, and the department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. These team of faculty and students are affiliated to CSUB Hispanic serving institution in California's Central Vall Changes/Problems: A few students resigned midway through the research activities, seeking other opportunities. They opined that the hourly wage that the grant was providing was not enough/competitive while others sighted personal reasons for leaving. To solve this, we increased our hourly stipends, making them competitive. Our new wages are now similar to what their peers (CSUB student tutors) are earning. The PI obtained necessary approval from the USDA program officers and CSUB post award offices before proceeding with this change. This increased retention and enthusiasm among student researchers. We did not get an opportunity to get the student interns working at NRCS lab this summer but instead secured internships with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Students are currently working full time 40 hours a week (Summer 2023) with the team at BLM and we hope to place more students at the BLM. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The Environmental Resource management and Economics students performed the following tasks (i) completed working paper (to be submitted for publication) and article on the study assessing the impact of climate change on agricultural land values; (ii) commenced data collection (taxes) on the impact of agriculture on Kern County's Tax footprint (see attached documents) and (iii) commenced data collection on the impact of economic and business cycles on SNAP participation in the U.S.. Biology students: Through consistent cultivation, the team produced strains of the marine diatom species Phaeodactylum tricornutum that can grow at a wide range of salinity levels. The team is characterizing the growth dynamics of these new Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains. Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: One student developed an Android mobile app that connects a Raspberry Pi to a server for data collection. The challenge in this project was for cases where the data size is significantly larger than simple numerical data. For testing, video files collected from a camera attached to the Raspberry Pi is used. Two other students research on the application of robotics to precision agriculture. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The website was updated to promote the project. Details are available at: https://www.csub.edu/ceer/articles/2020-11-10-brixcal-building-research-and-internship-experiences-hispanics-californias Presentation: The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Land Values in the U.S. by Micheal Mantaghi and Nyakundi Michieka Presented at the CSUB Student Poster Presentation Event 3-30-2023 BRIXCAL - USDA Student Seminars: Summer 2022 and Summer 2023 (See attached documents) An Android mobile app is developed that connects a Raspberry Pi to a server for data collection. The challenge in this project was for cases where the data size is significantly larger than simple numerical data, such as visual data collected using cameras. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The research activities will continue. Economics students will present the papers at conferences then submit them for publication. Students will also present their work at internal conferences (hosted by CSUB) Our BRIXCAL seminars will continue (to be conducted in the summer and fall of 2023) The internships with the Bureau of Land Management internship activities will continue One student is scheduled to attend the HACU conference (Araceli Hernandez). Students will continue making steps towards collection of publishable data and will be involved in all steps of research, including the dissemination of results through participation in internal conferences and external conferences (e.g. CSUPERB annual meeting) Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (ECE) students will continue working with qualified students on research projects. The ECE students continue their research on the applications of robotics for precision agriculture. The user-interface for the developed Android app needs further improvement. This is an area to further work on the application. We might also explore developing the app on iOS platform.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A total of 8 Students from 3 departments were hired to conduct research activities related to the project. The number of students hired by department were as follows: Biology: 3 students Economics & Environmental Resource Management: 2 students Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science): 3 students Experiential learning opportunities were provided to the 8 students Two students began their internships with the Bureau of Land Management Overall, 8 research opportunities were provided to Hispanic students majoring in Agricultural Engineering, Biology, and Environmental Resource management in the Central Valley. We also expand experiential learning opportunities through 2 mentored research internships at the Bureau of Land Management, and (3) we developed students' writing and communication skills through an annual summer workshops which provided student participants skills pertinent to applying for graduate school and jobs in the four fields, and (4) establish an alliance including university professors, scientists, local USDA officials and education specialists, that will help recruit and retain outstanding students. One student was selected to attend the HACU conference. Michael Mantaghi has now proceeded to join Clemson University for his Ph.D. program and he intends to study Agricultural Economics The project evaluation was also performed for the last project year 2021 - 2022 (see attached document).
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Mantaghi, M. and Michieka N. M (2023). Changes in Agricultural Land Values in the U.S. Kern Economic Journal Year 2023 Issue 2. 2023 (Undergraduate student - Mantaghi, M. and Faculty advisor Michieka, N. M.)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Land Values in the U.S. A Spatial Econometric Approach
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
https://www.csub.edu/ceer/articles/2020-11-10-brixcal-building-research-and-internship-experiences-hispanics-californias
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Land Values in the U.S. by Micheal Mantaghi and Nyakundi Michieka Presented at the CSUB Student Poster Presentation Event 3-30-2023
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
BRIXCAL USDA Student Seminars: Summer 2022 and Summer 2023 (See attached documents)
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